Attachment system for prefabricated units

ABSTRACT

An attachment system for prefabricated construction, such as assembly of panels, posts, trusses, and the like, the system including double-tapered interconnective clips for installation on the respective structures to be secured together, and spacer provisions to tension the clips against each other on engagement, which consists of a vertical-sliding tightening interconnection of the clips. In further embodiments of the invention the spacers are provided as integral parts of the wall structure by recessing the clips in the wall structure, and various clip extensions are provided to stiffen the clips and to facilitate mounting the clips.

United States Patent Harold M. King Jarrettsville Pike, Phoenix, Md. 21131 [21] Appl. No. 4,527

[72] inventor [22] Filed Jan. 21, 1970 [45] Patented June 29, 1971 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 835,106, June 20, 1969.

54 1 ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR PREFABRICATED UNITS 9 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs. [52] 11.5. CI. ..287/ 189.35, 52/593, 248/224 [5 l] lnt.CI F16b 3/00 [50] Field 01 Search ..287/189.35,

189.36 C, 189.36 D, 20.924, 20.925, 20.926, 20.92 C; 52/122, 489, 495, 498, 580, 582, 584, 593, 594, 595; 220/4, 7; 217/12, 13, 43, 45;

[56] I References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,181,934 5/1916 Smith 2,323,195 6/1943 Bouchillion 287/2092 C X 2,414,060 1/1947 Rausch 287/2092 G 2,453,221 11/1948 Haden 287/2092 2,793,407 5/1957 Johnston 287/20.924 2,803,858 8/1957 Rader 52/489 X 2,897,928 8/1959 Selig 248/224 X 3,131,447 5/1964 Tinnerman.. 248/300 X 3,345,029 10/1967 Palmer 248/300 Primary Examiner-Kenneth Downey Assistant Examiner-Wayne l... Shedd Attorney-John F. McClellan, Sr.

ABSTRACT: An attachment system for prefabricated construction, such as assembly of panels, posts, trusses, and the like, the system including double-tapered interconnective clips for installation on the respective structures to be secured together, and spacer provisions to tension the clips against each other on engagement, which consists of a vertical-sliding tightening interconnection of the clips. in further embodiments of the invention the spacers are provided as integral parts of the wall structure by recessing the clips in the wall structure, and various clip extensions areprovided to stiffen the clips and to facilitate mounting the clips.

PATENTEDJUH29|971 3589758 Sl-EZET 1 BF 2 FIG. 4

INVENTOR HAROLD M. KING ATTORNEY PAH-INTEL] JUN29 I971 SHEET 2 BF 2 FlG.7

FIG. IO

FIG. l2

FIG. II

ATTAGHMENT SYSTEM FOR PREFABRI CATED UNITS This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application for U5. Pat. Ser. No. 835,l06 filed June 20, 1969, for Prefabricated-Wall Attachment System.

This invention relates to building construction generally, and to prefabricated construction specifically. I l

An increasing percentage of housing in this countr'y is being made as prefabricated construction, for reasons of economy and speed. Old methods ofjoining building elements, including methods of fastening prefabricated walls; shelving, and the like, are costly and require much in individual dpsigni ng.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a novel attachment system for prefabricated buildings which overcomes objections found in prior methods and wllich provides ad vantages not previously available. l i l Briefly, my novel attachment system consists of one or inore sets of interlocking double-tapered spring clips and spaceiis for installation of prefabricated walls, shelving, roof, porch, and corner elements,'and the like, one clip of each set hein g affixed to the structure to which these elements are tt i beartached. The sets of tapered clips are recessed o r are fixed in vertical alternation with spacers to give the sameieffect as being inset, providing substantially lighttight, selt hirttressing joints.

As an example of use, to install a prefabricated wall infra building using the system of this invention, one or more clips are attached to the wall and a mating clip or clips are attached to the standing member of the building to which the wall is to be attached. The wall is then raised slightly, brought next to the standing member in the building so that the clips on the wall and on the standing member are vertically nested, and lowered into self-tightening, clip-aligned studding-spaced final position.

Another object of this invention is to provide an attachment system which is compatible with wood frame construction and accommodative of variations ordinarily encountered in such construction, while preserving precise alignment and rigid positioning on installation of prefabricated structural elements.

And another object of this invention is to provide an attachment system which is easy to align and attach and which is secure on installation.

And still another object of this invention is to provide an attachment system having clips adapted to draw the attached structural elements into place before final engagement of the clips.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a wall attachment system which is effectively resilient during the initial part of the engagement, but which forms a joint which is rigid in all directions when the attachments seat together.

A further object of this invention is to provide an attachment system which is equally well adapted for use at panel junctions of the T-type, the corner type, and the butt type.

And a further object of this invention is to provide an attachment system having clips adapted to for knockdown box construction.

Yet a further object is to provide a system of the type described which is adopted to minimize corrosive effects of water leakage, through free draining design.

Still a further object is to provide a system of the type described which is adapted to minimize corrosive effects of water leakage, through free draining design.

Still a further object is to provide a system of the type described which is adaptable in the same pattern to light gauge and heavy gauge construction, and to construction employing a variety of materials.

And still a further object of this invention is to provide a system as described in which clips of different gauge construction can be used together, and as replacements in the same application.

And further objects of this invention are to provide a system of the type described which requires no expensive materials, is easy to manufacture, is accommodative of loose tolerances in manufacture, is difficult to damage, and is easy to repair.

Additional and very important objects of this invention are to provide an attachment system as described in which the clips are recessed in the attached structure with zero clearance above and below the clips, lessening the load on the clip-fastening means and forming a substantially lighttight wall joint; to provide for utility line passage vertically through the clips; to provide self bracing and stiffening means integral with clips; to provide integral extensions facilitating clip fastening; and to provide optimal stacking and shipping embodiments of the clips.

These and other objects of this invention will become more easily understood on examination of the details of the disclosure, including the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of the system ofthis invention installed in walls for attachment of the walls;

FIG. 2 is an elevation detail of walls joined by this invention;

H0. 3 is a further elevation detail of walls joined by this invention;

HUS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and is! are perspective drawings of-various clip embodiments according to this invention;

FIG. l is a section through an embodiment similar to that of H6. 7, but modified;

FIG. 10 is a section through an embodiment similar to that of FIGv 8, but modified;

HG. H is a perspective drawing'of a clip assembly detail; and

FIG. 12 is side elevation ofa clip assembly detail.

The clips of FIGS. 4 and 5, FIGS. 7 and 8, and FIGS. 9 and 10 form matched pairs as the numbering indicates, although this pairing is not exclusive.

FIG. 1 shows clips and 102 of one embodiment of this system attached to studding 114 and 116 of wall sections 108 and 110 by fastening means such as nails N. Holes 112 are provided in the bases 122 and 124 of the clips for the fastening means, but appropriate types of fastening means may b driven directly through the bases.

Spacers 104 and 10.6 are nailed to the studding of the walls above and below the clips or alternatively, the spacers may be integral parts of studding, the clips being inset or recessed as illustrated by the installation of clip 100. Vertical openings 46 may be provided in ends of the wall sections for passage of utility cables, tubing, antenna leads and the like between the walls, taking advantage of the vertical opening in the clip structure.

Clip 100 is a vertically directed, symmetrical U-section channel with a tapered flat base having tapered arms 130 normal to the base with inwardly turned right-angle flanges 118 at the open side. Both tapered dimensions increase upwardly,

that is, both the base taper and the taper of the arms tend in comprising a vertically directed symmetrical U-section channel with a tapered flat base 124 having tapered arms 132. The base taper of clip 102 widens upwardly and the arm tapers widen downwardly. Flanges of clip 102 are outwardly turned and proportioned to engage flanges 118 of clip 100.

The clips are made of sheet metal, such as, for example, 16- to 28-gauge galvanized iron, cut and bent to modular dimension. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the module chosen is the section of the common 2X4 used in studding. Spacers 104 and 106 are one-half the thickness of a 2X4. This may also be the depth of inset used in lieu of spacers, as for clip 100, FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows the relation of the spacer and clip dimensions as assembled, each of the clips being recessed an equal amount, with the total depth of the recessing equaling the depth of the engaged clips. In FIG. 2, wall section 110 of FIG. 1 has been butted against wall section 108 and wall section 110 has been lowered, engaging and tightening the clips and the wall sections.

To engage the clips, it is not necessary to raise one wall section thefull height of the clip. The double-tapered design allows the clip flanges to be nested" at appreciably less difference in height than the height of a clip, the exact engaging height depending on flange width and taper.

In the embodiment shown, with a flange width of three-sixteenths inch and a vertical taper of l to 6 on each side of each clip, less than 1 inch height difference frees the clips for engagement.

The clips draw the walls together, align the walls laterally, and fix the walls in place, on engagement, as noted. Recessing the clips in the walls makes it unnecessary to leave gaps between the tops of the clips and the spacers or between the bottoms of the clips and the spacers.

The design of the clips of this invention is especially well adapted for wood frame house construction, in which it is usually not practical to demand extremely close tolerances because of normal variations in materials, workmanship, and lack of time. The double-tapered configuration of the matched clips produces the necessary constructional rigidity and strength in both plan dimensions, that is, transverse to the wall, and horizontally in the plane of the wall.

Additionally, the upper and lower edges of the recesses, as inset ll 1, support the clips vertically, relieving the load on the fasteners used to mount the clips. The recessed mounting method also protects the clips before the wall sections are connected, since the protrusion required for each clip is a relatively small amount. If a shallow taper is employed, the necessary clip protrusion can be as little as twice the thickness of material used in the flanges of the clips.

FIG. 3 illustrates the arrangement in case it is found useful in a particular application to recess one of the clips the maximum amount possible, and the other clip the minimum amount possible. This will vary the proportions but not the principle illustrated in FIG. 2. One clip, 100, will be recessed an amount equal to the depth of the clip (the greatest extension of the arm') less twice the flange material thickness. The other clip, 102, will be recessed an amount equal to twice the flange material thickness. No clearance will be required above or below either clip, and the joint at this stage of construction will be practically lighttight as viewed from the side.

The FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 arrangements can be constructed by adding shims or spacers to the surface on which the clip is mounted, as well as by recessing the clips into the surface. In either case, the same tight joints result.

Recessing the clips shifts part of the attachment load to surrounding structure, as when the clips bear on the tops and bottoms of the recesses. This allows the use of lighter gauge metal in the clips, but in that case the clips should be stiffened or reinforced by alteration in the design.

FIGS. 4 through 12 show various means of stiffening and reinforcing the clips of this invention using bent extensions of the clips.

In FIG. 4 inwardly bent extensions 448 and 450 of arms 432 stiffen the arms of the clip against bending out-of-plane and also against flexing toward the center of the clip. Gaps 452 may be left between these extensions for passage of utility cables.

FIG. 5 shows a similar use of bent extensions of arms to stiffen the mating clip 400. In this case the extensions 454 and 456 of arms 430 are outwardly bent, substantially normal to the axis of symmetry of the clip.

FIG. 6 shows the use of upwardly bent extensions 658 and 660 of the base 624 to reinforce the clip by preventing the base from bending and the arms from flexing towards the center of the clip. Extension 660 may be less than the height of the arms, to provide a passage between the paired clips when engaged, thereby adapting the clips for use with structures having utility grooves substantially aligned with the passage, as in FIG. I, for example. It will be noted that extension 658 is shown at a slightly open angle. This open angle facilitates stacking clips to save space and avoid damage in shipping, and also causes the clip to hold itself in place prior to fastening when pressed into a recess. Pressing the clip into a recess forces the extension to the required right-angle relation with the rest of the clip.

In regard to stacking or nesting the clips for shipping, it can be seen by inspection that any number of clips 100, FIG. 1 will nest together longitudinally for shipping. Clips 102 will nest together for shipping in a similar manner.

It is to be noted that the inwardly or upwardly bent extensions at the ends of the clips as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 also prevent the clips from digging into the recesses of the wall structure under load; this preserves the dimensions of the assembly.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of the clips 700 and 702 respectively, of this invention.

In FIG. 7, fastener tunnels 766 and 768 have been punched outward from the inside of arms 730 to place the fasteners closely in line with tensile loads on the arms.

Since flanges 718 are formed to the inside of clip 700, this arrangement allows room to drive the fasteners without interference by the flanges and provides better nailing access with recessed clips, and more secure holding. v

In FIG. 8, the arrangement is similar to that of FIG. 7, but opposite. Here the flanges 720 are formed to the outside, and the fastener tunnels 770 and 772 are protruded inwardly.

In both the FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 embodiments, the convolutions of the fastener tunnels, being at a substantial angle to the base, stiffen the clip arms against bending. There is also a buttressing effect which improves load resistance of the assembled clips in any direction, as follows: when the clips are coupled and a tensile load is applied across the juncture, the inner ends of outwardly protruding tunnels 766 and 768 bear against the surface to which the clip 700 is fastened, and prevent arms 730 from turning outward. In similar manner, the inner ends of the inwardly protruding tunnels 770 and 772 bear against the back 724 of clip 702 and prevent the arms 732 from turning inward. In both embodiments the tunnels also stiffen the arms against bending outof-plane. Although two tunnels are shown in each flange, it will be appreciated that more or less may be used to suit particular applications.

The net result of the stiffening and buttressing is that lighter gauge stock metal can be used for any particular load than would otherwise be possible.

FIG. 9 is a section through a clip similar to that of FIG. 7, except that the fastener tunnels 966 are semiconical, being widest at the end 984 at which fasteners such as nail N are inserted, and narrowest at the base of the clip. A hole 980 is provided in base 922 at each fastener location. This structure directs the fasteners at an inward angle, so that the clips are in effect toenailed, increasing pullout resistance and reducing possibility of splitting the underlying structure to which the clips are fastened.

FIG. 10 is a section of a clip similar to the FIG. 9 clip, except that the fastener tunnels 970 are inverted semicones narrowest at the end 986 at which fasteners such as nail N are inserted, and widest at the base of the clip. Hole 982 is inboard, directing the fasteners at an inward angle, to provide the same pullout resistance and antisplitting advantages described above in reference to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 11 and I2 show two applications of a further embodiment of this invention. Clip 1100 may be of any of the designs shown in FIGS. 1, 5, 7 or 9, or a combination of these. It is inset in upright 1176. Clip 1102, however, is of a unique design somewhat like clip 602, FIG. 6, except that the extension 1158 formed out-of-plane from the wider part of the back is bent at right angles away from the U" of the clip. In this embodiment the base taper and the taper of the arms tend in substantially opposite directions, and the flanges of the arms turn outwardly. The extension 1158 is perforated for attachment to other structure, as to shelf 1174, which is here shown removably affixed to upright 1176 by means of the clip assembly. As in the FIG. 6 embodiment, the bent extension stiffens the back 1124 of the clip against bending.

1 it can as readily be a part of either of the mating clips. In this embodiment the base taper and taper of the arms of clip 1200 tend in the same direction, substantially, the flanges of the 1 arms being turned inwardly.

' In conclusion, it will be seen that many construction problems requiring skill in nail, bolt, and screw attachment are entirely avoided by the use of this invention. it will be seen further that the invention is well suited for applications involving prefabricated construction of any nature whether for permanent or demountable use.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. it is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

WHAT I CLAlM IS:

1. In a fastening system including paired, symmetrical clips for attachment to members to be fastened together, for fastening said members together, each said clip comprising a U-section channel having a tapered flat base, tapered arms normal to the base, and flanges on the arms substantially normal thereto, the improvement comprising: a said clip having a lateral, tunnellike extension of a part of a said arm for receiving a fastener, thereby stiffening said clip and improving said attachment to a member to be fastened.

2. A device as recitedin claim 1, wherein the base taper and the taper of the arms tend in substantially opposite directions,

wherein the flanges of the arms are turned outwardly, and wherein the extended part. comprises a part of said arm extended inwardly. y I

3. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the base taper and the taper of the arms tend substantially in the same direction, wherein the flanges of the arms are turned inward, and wherein the extended part comprises a part of said arm extended outwardly.

4. A device as recited in claim 2 wherein the inward extension of part of an arm comprises a tunnel protrusive to the interior of the arm intennediate the length of the arm and positioned at a substantial angle to said base.

5. A device as recited in claim 4, wherein the shape of the tunnel is semiconical, with the wide portion of the cone proximate said base, and wherein said base has a hole therein aligned with the tunnel.

6. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein the outward extension of part of an arm comprises a tunnel protrusive to the exterior of the arm intermediate the length of the arm and at a substantial angle to said base.

7. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein the protrusion of the tunnel is semiconical, with the narrow portion of the cone proximate said base.

8. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the paired clips are adapted for recessed mounting in the members to be fastened together, with each of said clips recessed for a portion of the depth of said clip, with the total depth of said recessing equaling the depth of said clips when engaged to each other, and with said extension on a clip adapted to stabilize when recessed.

9. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein said extension leaves a passage along the axis of symmetry of said paired clips when engaged, thereby adapting the clips for use with structures having utility grooves substantially aligned with said passage. 5 

1. In a fastening system including paired, symmetrical clips for attachment to members to be fastened together, for fastening said members together, each said clip comprising a U-section channel having a tapered flat base, tapered arms normal to the base, and flanges on the arms substantially normal thereto, the improvement comprising: a said clip having a lateral, tunnellike extension of a part of a said arm for receiving a fastener, thereby stiffening said clip and improving said attachment to a member to be fastened.
 2. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the base taper and the taper of the arms tend in substantially opposite directions, wherein the flanges of the arms are turned outwardly, and wherein the extended part comprises a part of said arm extended inwardlY.
 3. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the base taper and the taper of the arms tend substantially in the same direction, wherein the flanges of the arms are turned inward, and wherein the extended part comprises a part of said arm extended outwardly.
 4. A device as recited in claim 2 wherein the inward extension of part of an arm comprises a tunnel protrusive to the interior of the arm intermediate the length of the arm and positioned at a substantial angle to said base.
 5. A device as recited in claim 4, wherein the shape of the tunnel is semiconical, with the wide portion of the cone proximate said base, and wherein said base has a hole therein aligned with the tunnel.
 6. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein the outward extension of part of an arm comprises a tunnel protrusive to the exterior of the arm intermediate the length of the arm and at a substantial angle to said base.
 7. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein the protrusion of the tunnel is semiconical, with the narrow portion of the cone proximate said base.
 8. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the paired clips are adapted for recessed mounting in the members to be fastened together, with each of said clips recessed for a portion of the depth of said clip, with the total depth of said recessing equaling the depth of said clips when engaged to each other, and with said extension on a clip adapted to stabilize when recessed.
 9. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein said extension leaves a passage along the axis of symmetry of said paired clips when engaged, thereby adapting the clips for use with structures having utility grooves substantially aligned with said passage. 